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Jack Kemp

Jack Kemp is gay? Get outta here! He played football!

No, I'm certainly not going to say he is, but speculation's been out there for years. There have been stories of gay orgies he attended and boyfriends he had. No smoking gun has ever turned up, and you can't believe everything you hear, but the stories just won't go away.

But what a career he's had -- quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, then Buffalo's Congressman for 18 years. He ran for President in 1980 and 1988. He was Bush's HUD Secretary. And, in 1996, Bob Dole made him his running mate, even though Bob once suggested he was dim-witted and might have played ball without a helmet.

But enough of the boring stuff -- back to the scuttlebutt. What is known is that two advisers to California Governor Ronald Reagan were dismissed in 1967 for hosting parties attended mostly by gay men at a Lake Tahoe ski lodge. Back in those homophobic days, folks got fired for stuff like that.

Then quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, Jack worked during the off-season as an intern in the Governor's office. During that time, he also became a business partner with one of the fired men, and together they bought the lodge where the parties were held.

Jack has been asked repeatedly about this, and he has categorically denied involvement in any gay parties. In fact, he said he never visited the lodge, even though he was a part-owner.

But don't jump to conclusions and think Jack is into guys. At least one woman besides his wife has said he prefers women. In 1996, former lobbyist/Playboy model Paula Parkinson said she had sex with Jack and eight other Congressmen. I think she meant she did them separately.

But let's give Jack a little credit. More than most Republicans, he has been an advocate for racial tolerance and assistance to economically disadvantaged communities. He's one Republican who seems genuinely comfortable with black folks. Of course, having played football means he probably showered with a lot of black guys. That's one way to get to know folks.

Jack, whatever turns you on is your business. Just don't forget what Bob Dole said: wear some protection.